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Nepal Lipi Online

1135 th New Year Supplement

Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) 1

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(Inside)

• ……………………………………………...…………………….3 • …………………………………………………………………..4

NEWS • Prime Minister orders the Government Ministries to use Nepal Samvat calendar ……..5

• - . ……….…6

/ • , . …….9 • ? ……………...14

UPDATES • Encoding Nepal Lipi: An Update of Effort Dr. Suwarn ……20

RESEARCH/REPORT • Astaveetaraga Dr. Seema Samir Sontakke ....25 • Parva Munindra Ratna Bajracharya..28

/ABOUTABOUT US • ( Nepal Lipi Online Team) ……………………………….30 • , (NSCJ) (Nepal Study Center Japan Members) ….………..31 • (Objectives and Initiatives…………………………………….………..32 • (Ongoing Projects) ……………………………………………………...33

Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) 2

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From the Editor/Publisher

! Welcome to the NepalLipiOnline, and Heartiest Greetings on the occasion of the Auspicious Happy ! New Year of Nepal Samvat (Era) 1135. We are glad to announce that our online publication completes its 4th year and turns to its 5 th year online publishing , that started from a very small beginning. Thanks to voluntary contribution of articles by experts, editing, proofreading, typing by other worthy members, we , , , , have continued this far. Here we announce a change in our team that Mr. Naresh Shakya, who had helped us as our chief editor had to leave us as he has look after his own business from this year. We express our heartful gratitude for his great help to us. Until we appoint a new chief editor, I assume the responsibility for a while. Nepal Samvat New Year and Nepal Bhasa were the achievemnts of those leaders, activists and , supporters in Nepal. But we have not seen a system developed to record all the past contributions by these great people. For example, Nepal Lipi encoding meeting held in this October is an example. We find less information was shared with people interested hence the participation was very ” limited. The meeting too did not pass on the update () of the progress of encoding Nepal Lipi in the Unicode. As a small contribution, we have included a update report of this great task of encoding Nepal Lipi. We shall be grateful to those who will contribute to build record keeping with information they have in this regard. Thank you! ! Suwarn Vajracharya And the family of the Nepallipionline and Nepal Study Center Japan (NSCJ). [email protected] [email protected] 1135 Kachhala 1 (October 24, 2014) ( , )

: : ; Editor: Keshav Lall ; Executive Editor & Publisher: Suwarn Vajracharya Nepal Lipi [email protected] Online Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) 3

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NEW YYEAREAR GREETING

Heartiest Greetings on the auspicious occasion of the 1135 ththth National New Year of Nepal to all the members, advisors and supportesupportersrs of Nepal Lipi Online and NepalNepal Study Center, Japan. We are also grateful for your support throught out the year of Nepal Samvat 1134 and 2013(A.D.2013(A.D.).).).). We look forward your feedback on the content of this online bulletin and your contribution and support to us in the future, too.

Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) 4

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NEWS Prime Minister Sushil Koirala orders the Government Ministries to use Nepal Samvat calendar.

Yen (Kathmandu), Nepal , N.S. 1135.1.1 – Felicitating on the occasion of the 1135th New Year of Nepal Samvat, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala ordered his ministries to use Nepal Samvat calendar in their official letter pads. The prime minister made his order while addressing a mass public gathering held at Vasantapura Durbar squire in the capital Yen (Kathmandu) this morning on the occasion, gathering held in the capital and promised the where he was the chief guest. Premier Koirala support for the official use of the Nepal Samvat assured the people that he will soon bring out the calendar in the country. Though the past prime new Constitution that will preserve all languages, ministers are said to have used the Nepal Samvat cultures and religions of Nepal. Saying what is calendar in their official letter pads, this is yet most lacking today is peace, stability and another first occasion where the incumbent head development, he appealed the people to follow of the Government, Prime Minister Sushil the path shown by Sankhadhar Sakhva, who Koirala made his order in public that his propounded the Nepal Samvat calendar. Sakha, a Government ministries must use the Nepal trader of Kathmandu propounded the Nepal Samvat calendar henceforth. The prime minister Samvat 1135 years ago having paid off the debts was accorded a warm welcome by the public led of the people at the time. The Nepal Samvat by the Nepal Samvat National Calendar calendar had been use since then though there Celebration Chairman Professor Dr. Triratna were some political interruptions in the past. As Manandhar, the former Vice Chancellor of Nepal returned to democratic governance since Buddhist University and attended by 1990, every incumbent prime minister has leaders such as Nepal Bhasa activist and human attended the Nepal Samvat New Year Public rights leader Dr. Padmaratna , Newah Buddhist leader Laxmidas Manandhar, Maoist leader and former minister Hisila Yami and public of all level at the Vasantapura Durbar Squire.

(Sagar Man Bajracharya contributed to this news report. Photo sources: Devdass Manandhar, (Premier’s photo) and Jagadish Man Rajbhandari (Nepal Samvat public rally), Yen (Kathmandu), .)

Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) 5

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Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) 6

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Encoding Nepal Lipi: An Update of Efforts

Dr. Suwarn Vajracharya (University of Tsukuba, Japan)

It is heartening to script proposal; and Chris Fynn, a British who learn that the has helped develop fonts for Dzongkha and Nepal Lipi (the Tibetan is now stationed in Bhutan; scripts of Nepal) The visiting foreign expert team will be encoded discussed the encoding of Nepal Lipi that in the Unicode include both ‘Prachalit Nepal’ and ‘Ranjana’ by 2016. This was informed by Dr. Deborah with concerned Nepalese to solve issues that are Anderson, who led a Unicode Technical team pending, and recommend a final proposal for that visited Nepal from 4 to 10 October 2014. Dr. Prachalit Nepal and Ranjana scripts. As a Anderson is also a researcher and leader of concerned member of Nepal Bhasa user Script Encoding Initiative (SEI) project at the community, and the former International Department of Linguistics, University of Coordinator for encoding Nepal Lipi, while California, Berkeley, USA. Since the thanking the Unicode Technical team for visiting establishment of the SEI in 2002, she has Nepal and meeting with the counterparts in contributed encoding many scripts in the Nepal, I take this opportunity to share an update Unicode. Others included in the visiting group of efforts in encoding Nepal scripts, some were: Peter Constable, a Senior Program concerns, and recommendations with a special Manager at Microsoft, responsible for various reference to Nepal Lipi. platform technologies including international text display and fonts, who is also an expert in Talks of Encoding Nepal Lipi Unicode and has helped to broker an agreement A couple of font designers in Kathmandu and a on script names that held up the “Tai Tham” wellknown script expert foreigner had made

A folio from a Buddhist manuscript written in Prachalit Nepal script. Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) - 20

. ( .. ) some noteworthy attempts towards encoding March 2010 (henceforth ‘March meeting’) can Nepal Lipi before the public meeting that was be considered a milestone move towards held on 20 March 2010. This meeting was held encoding Nepal Lipi. However, there are several at Hotel Harati in Kathmandu organized by the important matters that we should continue to Nepal Lipi (NLG: a trust established to concern in encoding Nepal Lipi. promote and preserve Nepal scripts) presided by its chair Sharad Kasahchhen and attended by Matters of Concern several professors of Nepal, Britain and Japan; In encoding Nepal Lipi in Unicode, what is most script and language experts, concerned Nepal concerned to us, the Nepal Bhasa user Bhasa user community and supporters led by community, is the name of our script. Since Professor Premshanti Tuladhar, the then Head of March meeting, two proposal have been the Central Department of Nepal Bhasa, submitted to the Unicode. One was the proposal Tribhuvan University. In the meeting two papers that named Nepal Lipi as ‘Newar’ by a foreign were presented, one by Sarad Kasah, lecturer of expert while the second proposal named Nepal Tribhuwan University and an expert of Nepal Lipi as ‘Nepaalalipi’ by a local expert. Among Lipi, who was also the former chair of NLG. The several of us who pointed out the unsuitability of second paper was presented by this writer in the both names in English, I have emphasized the capacity of the chair, Nepal Study Center, Japan need of preserving the native term for both Nepal (NSCJ). This paper was presented as a Bhasa and Nepal Lipi and that these terms are preliminary report and proposal towards misnomers for the following reasons. encoding Nepal Lipi. 1 Professor Patrick Hall The present term ‘Nepal’ has derived from Britain and Professor C. Faucher from from the original term of ‘Nepāla’ (written form), Japan joined with Professor Tej Ratna , and ‘Newar’ from the ‘Newāra’, the term used Professor Kasinath Tamot, who addressed the by outsiders for the insider term of ‘Newā’, the meeting and many participants of their caliber. spoken term for ‘Newāla’. Thus, Nepal has been The meeting was a result of positive response to used as the name of the country, Nepal Bhasa my humble approach to NLG chair, and (language of Nepal), Nepal Samvat (Nepal Era) preconsultation and discussion on the need of etc since the ancient times. A willful attempt of encoding Nepal Lipi with his committee calling Nepal Lipi as ‘Newar’ can be justified members and patron Dr. Padma Ratna Tuladhar, only if the names of the country, language and the noted human rights activist, former minister era of Nepal can also be named as ‘Newar’ in of Nepal, and president of Nepal Bhasa Manka English. Khalah, the Alliance for Nepal Bhasa activism. With regard to naming ‘Nepaalalipi’ for Thus, the public consultative meeting held on 20 ‘Nepal Lipi’, it is also problematic if that term is to be called English word for ‘Nepal Lipi.’

1 The paper can be downloaded at: ‘Nepaalalipi’ is a transcribed form for the http://nepal-lipi-online.com/Towards%20Encoding %20Nepal%20Scripts%20-%20A%20Report%20and original term ‘  / Nepal Lipi’. But in %20Preliminary%20Proposal.pdf Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) - 21

. ( .. ) conventional English it sounds awkward. If one first then to foreign users of Nepal Bhasa and its insists the said transcribed term to be used for Lipi. Nepal, Nepal Bhasa, Nepal Lipi are distinct Nepal Lipi, then one must also be able to change names such as brand names of Microsoft, Yahoo, the name of the country, language and era in Google etc. These names are not changed when transcribed English term as ‘Nepaala’, they are written in foreign languages such as ‘Nepaalabhaasaa’ and ‘Nepaalasamvata’ etc. Can English except in languages like Japanese, which one do this? has difficulties in transcribing some foreign The discussions in the email group that words. Bhasa Melayu and Bhasa Indonesia are lasted for about two long years have finally other well known examples where original terms agreed to use another popular term ‘Prachalit are retained and promoted in English, too. One Nepal’ for the original Nepal Lipi. The term may also argue that there are plenty of English ‘Prachalit Nepal’ has been popular among the terms for many native terms in the world. This is scholars and Nepal Bhasa user community to justified if English names do not incite confusion, distinct it from its two derivatives such as opposition and offense against the local and Ranjana (Ranja) and Golamola (Bhujinmola). I native names. But in the case of Nepal, it is am hopeful that the members discussing the term different. There is a dire need of promoting and at October meeting (2014) will come out with a preserving Nepal Bhasa and Nepal Lipi in its term that is acceptable to the user community own original land.

Consultattive meeting on standardization of character code held recently in Kathmandu

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The democratic governments formed after 1990 usage is different from other headed letters like have taken noteworthy initiatives to correct the ‘ka’ etc. as it follows the rule of headless letters past wrongs. One noteworthy example is that the such as ‘ga’. It is important to retain this distinct Government Nepal in 1995 reinstated the form of ‘tu’ as it will help the future generation original term ‘Nepal Bhasa’ for the language to recognize the old usage of words written in incorrectly called ‘Newari’ in the past. Therefore, both Nepal Bhasa and Sanskrit manuscripts in it is imperative that we must be seriously become the long past. Two, Nepal Bhasa words contain aware of correct terms and using suitable terms sounds of ae, kae, gae, etc. but have no formal for our language (Nepal Bhasa), script (Nepal signs to represent these sounds. I have raised this Lipi) and era (Nepal Samvat), whether we are matter first in the paper presented at the March natives of Nepal or foreigners working on meeting (2010) and later at the email group matters related to Nepal. Name is a holy name. discussions with members that included Dr. No one is supposed to derogate some one else’s Anderson. The matter is mentioned here as a name. reminder of the necessity than an immediate Other two concerns are: one, an attempt concern as the matter can be taken up after the of altering signs for letters in the name of easing preliminary encoding of Prachalit Nepal as the burden of using signs in some letters. For convinced by her. Meanwhile Ranjana has less example, there was a suggestion by NLG to issue to be taken up that I hope the October replace the sign ‘u’ for the letter t (t+u) as its meeting will finalize the proposal for encoding it.

Consultattive meeting on standardization of character code held recently in Kathmandu

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Recommendations recommendable that NLG needs to revise its old The long awaited arrivals of the script encoding programs of teaching Nepal Lipi limited to experts in Nepal and their meetings with the writing to develop its capacity to attract supports counterparts in Kathmandu are heartening as the of financial, technical and scholarly experts to meetings of this nature have been expected since promote Nepal Lipi in keeping with the change February 2013. As it goes, ‘better later than of the local and international society. never’, the distinguished guests’ visit to Nepal The encoding task of Nepal Lipi has so from 4 to 10 October is going to mark an far been undertaken by outsiders than NLG important event in not only the history of insiders (as they took interest in the encoding at encoding Nepal Lipi but also in the history of the eleventh hour). Hence, it is recommended Nepal itself. The October meeting is going to be that the NLG develop ability to maintain a future reference of important tasks in the relations with them to further promote and efforts of encoding Nepal Lipi and its derivative preserve Nepal Lipi as encoding effort so far scripts. There are many more contributors, who done is yet a beginning of a huge task NLG have helped to make this meeting a reality and a should imagine, plan and implement for the real success behind the scene. Right individuals will promotion of the Nepal Lipi and its derivative be praised at right time in the future while I need scripts. to mention of Iain Sinclair from Australia; K.R. In order to achieve the success in its Tuladhar and Anar Ratna Bajracharya from activities in the future, it is recommended that Nepal for their indirect contributions to the the NLG reinstitute it’s organization as a public October meeting. But the success of this one interest body than a club of a couple of ‘friendly’ week long meetings with the script encoding colleagues and associates. experts will still depend on individuals and As both insider and outsider, I wish all organizations such as NLG in Nepal as to how the best for the NLG and thank the visiting the rest of the work will be carried out after the distinguished members for their interest and their October meeting. NLG is the sole registered contribution in encoding Nepal Lipi and their organization in Nepal to promote and preserve visit to Nepal in person. I am sure NLG will the Nepal Lipi (Prachalit Nepal) and its show its gratitude towards those who have derivative scripts such as Ranjana (Ranja) and contributed in this great task of encoding. But I even Golamola (Bhujinmola). As a former am obliged to appreciate the work being done partner with NLG and a stakeholder of Nepal now by the worthy people led by Dr. Anderson Lipi, I recommend the following for the success noted above because I have bothered her and of encoding task and its activities afterwards: many others to help in encoding Nepal Lipi for NLG has a long history of over three the past several years. decades since its inception in 1980. Thanks to its (Chair of Nepal Study Center, Japan (NSCJ), and publications both hand written and printed study formerly International Coordinator for Encoding materials, many including myself became Nepal Lipi, completed Ph.D. on language informed of the importance of Nepal Lipi, its politics and state policy in Nepal at the University of Tsukuba, Japan (2014). usage, promotion and preservation. But it is Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) - 24

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ASHTAVEETARAGA

--- Dr. Seema Samir Sontakke Asiatic Society, Mumbai (India)

Ashtaveetaragas are eight Therefore charity to those free from lust, yields great pilgrimage sites of Newar benefit.. Buddhist people in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.  4 ‘Naipaliya Devata Kalyana ( .356) Panchvinshatika’ , the text in

verse form written in 10 th These eight Veetaraga sites are the places century, lists eight Veetaraga sites along with other where eight famous Bodhisatvas have appeared for tirtha places of Kathmandu valley. ‘ Swayambhu wellbeing of people. But peculiarity of these places is Purana’ , the text from 14 th 15 th century, describes in that, at all these places, there are self manifested detail about origin of these sites along with the Shivalinga s. In fact ‘’ mentions development of Kathmandu valley. ‘Nepal these places as ‘ Ashtamahadevas ’ of Kathmandu Mahatmya’ (a part of ‘ Himavat Khanda of valley. ‘56  ’ Purana’ ), 9th century text gives list of 64 Shivalingas (SwayambhuPurana IV.75). from Kathmandu valley. Some of them can be Names of these Veetaragas as mentioned in identified same as Veetaraga places. ‘Swayambhu Purana’ along with their modern place The word ‘Veetaraga’ is frequently used for names and Bodhisattavas appeared there, are as s those who have eradicated raga . In follows: ‘Dhammapada’ , it is said that lust spoils all beings.

Sr.No. Veetaraga Bodhisatva Modern place name 1 Mani Maitrya Manicuda 2 Gokarna Gaganganja/Khganja Gokarna ( form of Avalokiteshvara) 3 Kileshvara At Changu Narayana 4 Kumbheshvara Vajrapani Patan 5 Garteshvara Manjughosha Near Godavari Kunda 6 Phanikeshvara Sarvanivarana Vishkambhi At Shesha Narayana, Pharping 7 Gandheshvara Kshitigarbha Adinatha, Chobar 8 Vikrameshvara Akashagarbha Sitapaila area

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Ashtaveetaragas and Geography of Kathmandu Maniveetaraga is connected with the origin of Valley: Manohara river whereas Gokarna is at the bank of most important Vāgmati river of the valley. At The number eight here indicates connection with Kileshvara we find a small lake which is not in use ‘Mandala’ concept of Tantric Newar Buddhist now named Sindurkhwa pokhari and Shilu tirtha at tradition. Even though these places are not situated Kumbeshvara is famous even today. Garteshvara has exactly in a circular manner, these are spread in all Godavari kunda , while Phanikeshvar a is surrounded directions of Kathmandu valley, especially in by number of small water pools. different directions of Swayambhu which lies in the North West part of the valley. These are located Mountains and Hilltops: Every alternate Veetaraga is in somewhat zigzag pattern represented roughly as situated on the top of the mountain or a hill. For follows: example Mani, Kileshvara, Phanikeshvara, Maniligeshvara Gandheshvara.

Thus Ashtaveetaragas play an important Vikrameshvara Gokarneshvara role in topography of Kathmandu valley.

Kileshvara Ashtaveetaraga: Myths and Legends: There are

various Buddhist as well as Hindu legends associated

with these places. Some of them are related to Gandheshvara Kumbheshvara establishment of city or town. For example

Kumbheshvara with Lalitpur Patan or Vikrameshva ra Phanikeshvara with Vikramasthala . But most of the legends

inculcate ethical values making Newar culture rich.

Maniveetaraga is connected with Garteshvara Manichudaavadana story of prince Manichuda who

sacrifices his son, wife and ultimately his own life on Thus Ashtaveetaragas cover almost all parts demand of inborn precious stone on his head. He of the valley beginning from northeast, east then does this happily for the sake of charity only. Many central, southeast, south, southwest and west of these legends show human nature of making direction. mistakes and after true realization, achievement of

the highest principle in their lives. Prince Gokarna Connection with Water Sources: Apart from other who was earlier abandoned by his father for his bad tirthas located at river confluences, each and every deeds, after realization, pays homage at Vagmati and Ashtaveetaraga is connected with a source of water. pulls his ancestors out of the hell by his penance. It may be either a river or a lake or a pond or even Manjugarta, who was an idiot in his early life, any artificially constructed water conduit. becomes a poet by favor of lord . Odiyana

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. ( .. ) acharya realizes his mistake of live fishes in 13th century. A fifth century stone inscription his sacrifice at Phanikeshvara. (Licchavi/Gupta script ) the oldest to be discovered in Nepal, is located in the temple compound and it tells Ashtaveetaraga representing Integration of Shaiva, of the victorious King Manadev a. Vaishnava and Buddhist traditions: The serpent or the naga has always played an important role in Nepali traditions, and the very While explaining fruits of worshipping Veetaraga s, it origins of the valley are associated with the nagas . is said in Swayambhu purana , “The mind of those There is an impressive image of Vasuki Naga in the who offer prayers to the Eight Veetaragas while Kumbheshvara temple of Patan which may possibly bathing in the Vāgmatī will be pure. They will be belong to the early Licchavi period. Gokarna prosperous. They will be suitable for entering Mahadeva temple, built in 1582 is a fine example of Shivaloka [the realm of Shiva] after enjoying worldly Newar style and is very famous for sculptures pleasures. Those who wash the Veetaraga of of many gods and goddesses. Shesha Narayana Svayambhu with ghee will be entitled to Shivaloka . temple has Nepal Lipi (Nepal Script) inscription in its Those who wash it with honey will have access to courtyard. Brahmamandira [the temple of Brahma]. Those who wash it with curds will have access to Vaishnavaloka Conclusion: [the realm of Vishnu ].” Veetaraga places like Sheshnarayana , Thus Ashtaveetaraga sites throw light upon history Changu Narayana are very famous Vishnu temples of and geography of Kathmandu valley and Nepal. Kahmandu valley and at Gokarna there is very Study of these places with various aspects will help popular Shivalanga. These temples and their in to understanding Newar culture effectively. premises show images and shrines of Shaiva, Vaishnava and Buddhist tradition. (Dr. Seema Sontakke is attached with Asiatic Society of Mumbai, India. She has conducted research on Historical and Archeological importance of Newar Buddhist text "Swayambhu Purana" under the Ashtaveetaraga: project of Critical Edition of Sanskrit Manuscripts for the past five years. She has accompanied her Temples and shrines at Ashtaveetaraga places are team to Kathmandu valley as a part of field visit and very good examples of ancient Nepalese art and collected manuscripts written in Nepal Lipi (Nepal architecture. History of some of those goes back to script). She has also delivered lectures on Nepal Lipi Licchavi dynasty. at Mumbai University for the last three years.) Changu Narayana was originally built in the early 4th century during the Licchavi dynasty, and was rebuilt around 1700 . All of the stone carvings in the temple courtyard were done between the 5th and

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GUNLA PARVA Munindra Ratna Bajracharya (Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu)

Nepal is rich in its cultural many devotees visit this place chanting songs and diversity which with musical instruments. There is special produces many colorful musical instrument which is known as Gunla festivals around the year. Bajan. Those who are not able to visit Every festival begins Swoyambhu they will go near to their monastic traditionally with some temples and Vihars. In Nepal there are many religious moment. The Viharas and temples lying corner. With the festivals become calendar, which marks the activities of Gunla devotees are engaged with changing in the seasons; the turning of the years great enthusiasm to fasting, penances and and ages gives continuity and meaning to pilgrimages. On each day of Gunla Buddhist Nepalese lives. They cannot live far away from housewives fashion tiny votive images figures of their cultures. The month of Shrawan is a sacred Buddha and small Chaitys shrines which is made month, dedicated to Lord Buddha known as of special pressed black clay. They have to Gunla Parva. At this time entire society was a prepare these tiny idols things as possible as they time of leisure, which is used for merrymaking can make it. At the end of Holy month all the and aesthetic entertainments. In Buddha's period, devotees with procession and chanting religious he led his disciples into solitary meditation and songs carrying these idols dumped in the sacred preached to them the speeches of religious river. In order to manage this rituals some Guthi matters. Since then Buddhist spend this month (groups) are also formulated. For the prosperity for praying and fasting. Now on the auspicious of their family some women stayed fasting of Gunla Parva Buddhist devotees engaged for taking only one time food, which is called in visiting in religious places whole month. Nepal Bhasa as Maya abashan . It is a great The word Gunla has also special penance and sacrifice. At the end of the Gunla meaning.'Gun' means hill and 'la' means month those who lived as fasting will end his fasting in Nepal Bhasa. Nepal is full of hills and ceremony and accept taking foods as usual. A mountains so Nepalese people do religious festival is organized which is known as Paru activities in hills and mountain areas. The month Bhoye accompanied by all the family members of Shrawan is also rainy seasons so there are and neighbors. calamities of floods and other epidemic. So to On the occasion of Gunla the Buddhist abstain from these natural calamities Nepalese recite Arya Namasangiti in homes and Vihars are busy in religious performance. Some visit with groups in rhythmical, sweet and melodious. Swoyambhunath Stupa which is a precious place Arya Namasangiti is one of the sacred texts of situated in hill side. On that occasion this Parva Nepalese Vajrayana which is written

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. ( .. ) in Sanskrit. Similarly Buddhist Newar priest also is also a procession for the memory of their dead perform Saptavidhanottarapuja for the welfare of family members which is called as Ghintankisi. all human beings within this world. The ritual In Kathmandu, Thamel Bhagwanbahal the books Saptavidhanottarpuja is one of the most popular Pragya Paramita related to Buddha's sermons among several exoteric Newar Buddhist written in gold and silver which is displayed for ceremonies. reading for local people. In Gunla Parva within one month there The birth of , are many festivals started for religious purposes. Krishnajanmastami is also celebrated in this Firstly in Kathmandu valley Nag the period. In many places photos of Lord Krishna, god of snake is worshiped posting the picture of is displaced in various places and also do bhajans Nag (serpent) at the main gate in everybody's reciting songs. In Gunla period another house. Few days later on full moon day Janai remarkable event is Panchadan. In Kathmandu is also commemorates on that day. All some Buddhist Newar display Buddha's image at the change their sacred thread their home and offer five kinds of offering as Rakshabandhan and tie new one in the underarm unhusked and polished rice, lentil seeds, salt,and wrist and wear Janai thread in the neck for the money and necessary things to the Buddhist purifications and protection of their lives. But priest. Father's day is also celebrated in this this sacred thread is bestowed upon only by male. month. Every Nepalese look their fathers face And that day every Nepalese people drink Kwati offering sweets, fruits and clothes. Those whose which is the combination of different nine kinds father has already died will go to Gokarna River of lintel. On next day Gaijatra is celebrated in the and take bath. Gunla Lakhe, the masked dance is memory of recently bereaved family. For also comes in the street for enjoyment. Gunla is a honoring the soul of their family member's death sacred month of festivals so whole month people they sent religious procession accompanied by are busy celebrating different kinds of festivals. small children disguising as yogi or holy man in Gunla month is important month for the main streets of Kathmandu. Some send cows showing our cultures and rituals to foreign in the procession so it is also known as GaiJatra. people. Those foreign people who come to visit One of the important ceremonies during Nepal in this month are lucky so that they can Gunla is exhibition of many ancient statue of observe and study the different tradition and Dipankar Buddha in some Newar, s courtyards culture of Nepalese people. Nepal is a country of and Vihars. Most devotees go to observe this different castes and religion, but we all celebrate statue accompanied by devotees with musical our festival in enthusiastic way. The harmony bands. This is known as Bahideyo Bwoyegu. between different religions, cultures and tradition Newar Buddhists visit to look god and goddess can help protect our culture till future. in Buddhist temples and Vihars. In Patan there is (The author teaches at the Tribhuvan University, a huge procession marched around the precious Kirtipur, Kathmandu. He can be contacted at: places of town which is known as Mataya [email protected]). festivals of Lights. Similarly in there

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About Us ・ Nepal Lipi Online Team ・ ä 7 – Nepal-lipi-online, the World’s First online bulletin in Nepal Scripts is a project of The , Nepal Study Center, a non-profit educational , , institute established in Tokyo in January 2009 with a mission to dedicate to the dissemination of classical Nepal thoughts , and culture, Japan-Nepal relation and their ,  8 peace building role in the Globe through  scientific study and research, and the , – publication of researched subjects as our mission. Following are the team members of this project: . ()

Prof. Keshav Lall Maharjan (Editor) (, ) Sagar Man Bajracharya,

 ( ) (Coordinator, Nepal/Advertisement) Amrit Ratna Tuladhar (Special Writer) ( ) Suwarn Vajracharya (Executive Editor & Publisher) ・ ・ Materials for publication , , , , , Articles, poems, views, news, photo, video etc ) :- to: [email protected] [email protected] ・ Contacts: Sagar Man Bajracharya, Nepal ・ 977-98-4124-7328 ( , ) Suwarn Vajracharya, Japan 977-98-4124-7328 81-90-2905-0770 (  8 ) 81-90-2905-0770 ・ Publisher Nepal Study Center, Japan (NSCJ) ・ Naha City, Okinawa, Japan. (NSCJ) ,

, ,

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, (NSCJ ) Nepal Study Center Japan (NSCJ) - Mission and Initiatives ) ・ The Nepal Study Center (hereafter, the Center) is a non-profit educational institute. ・ It is dedicated to the dissemination of , classical Nepal thoughts and culture, Japan-Nepal relation and their peace building role in the Globe through scientific , study and research, and the publication of researched subjects as our mission. , ・ Based in Tokyo, the Center will take ・ 8  initiatives to promote studies of Nepal, particularly the classical part less Nepala-logists and other academics have paid attention to; and academic and scholarly links between Japan and Nepal in improving , Nepal-Japan cooperation inter alia, through ɰ collaborative research, exchange programs , , and organization of annual lectures, and seminars on areas of mutual interest to both Japan and Nepal’s academics, researchers ・ ,  , and general public. , ΢ ; , , ・ The Center advises local, national and , international authorities on related field of aforementioned studies and for solution of problems sought after.

・ < , , , ・ The Center cooperates with relevant  , , ΢  academic institutions, NPO, and local, national and international organizations. ・ The Center supports research scholars, ・ = , students, technicians to enhance their , knowledge and experience to contribute to the benefit of the human and the Global society ・ ・ The Center publishes online and print , 7 , bulletins, newsletters and issue press releases to facilitate information to members and general public. Nepal Lipi Online – The World’s First Online Bulletin in Nepal Scripts (Oct. 24, 2014) - 31

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Ongoing Projects To achieve its dedicated mission above, the Center , has initiated following projects: a) The Nepal-lipi-online, the Worlds first online ) ä ä Bulletin in Nepal scripts launched October 19, ä 7 2009 marking the 1130 th Nepal New Year. See the Nepal-lipi-online  detail at “Who we are” in the category of “About Us” of the Nepal-lipi-online ) . b) Nepal Lipi for Unicode use: Fonts for Prachalit and  Ranjana Lipis (scripts) are partially completed , and the rest of the project is being continued. ) c) Guide Book for Reading and Writing Nepal Scripts, which is also a first such project is progressing.

Future projects

a) Nepal script writing course – is being designed to ) , offer an interactive way of learning the standard ) – block print Nepal script online. b) Oral History Collection of Nepal – is being designed. ) – c) Nepal Album – to present History of Nepal in images. , Your support and our contact The Nepal Study Center, Japan is a non-profit ,  academic organization run by unpaid volunteers with  voluntary financial support from our generous , Κ donors. So far, of the three ongoing projects indicated , above (a, b, c), project b has received partial sponsorship while project c and future projects are available for full sponsorship or financial support. If ( you would like to extend your moral (advising), ), ( , , , , , material (providing articles, poems views, news, ), ( , ) photo, video etc), active (planning and organizing) or ( ) financial support (to run projects) to the Nepal Study Center Japan’s activities, please contact us at: ,

Nepal Study Center, Japan (NSCJ) [email protected]

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Organization ・ , ・ The Nepal Study Center, Japan is managed by a Board of Directors led by a Chair. ・ , ・ An Advisory Board - comprised of well-informed specialists in Nepal classical studies, Japan-Nepal relations and Buddhism – advices ・ व @ व the Board of Directors. ・ The Center is supported by a Board of Trustees and Honorary Trustees with their occasional and generous donations.

Friends of NSCJ

,  Thanks to the following friends that form the ,) , ( ) , , Trustees and Honorary Trustees of the Nepal Study , , , , ( Center, Japan, whose moral (advising), material ) , ( (providing necessary materials), active (planning and ) ( organizing) and financial support (for projects) A @ A helped established the Center and its activities.

TRUSTEES व Board of Advisors

Guru Shucho Takaoka, Nagoya , Dr. Padma Ratna Tuladhar, Kathmandu (Chair) .  ,) ( Prof. Hiroshi Ishii, Tokyo . ,  8 Prof. Minoru O'uchi, Chiba . , Prof. David Gellner, Oxford . B , Board of Directors C Mr. Toyohisa Azuma, Tokyo  ,  8 Prof. Keshav Lall Maharjan, Hiroshima . , Dr. Suwarn Vajracharya, Naha City (Chair) ,  8 ) ( HONORARY TRUSTEES

@ व Dr. Iswar Man Shakya, Fukushima . , Naresh Bir Shakya, Kathmandu , Sagar Man Bajracharya, Kathmandu , , (Coordinator, Nepal)

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@ व HONORARY TRUSTEES , Rahena Wester, Germany , Amrit Shrestha, Germany , Tribhuwan Tuladhar, USA . , Dr. Bal Gopal Shrestha, The Netherlands ॅ , Pradeep Tamrakar, Kathmandu ,  8 Anil Shakya, Tokyo ,  8 Sunil Shakya, Tokyo ,  8 Janak Raj Shakya, Tokyo ƴ , Anjana Shakya, Kathmandu



, D < 0 The Newah sponsored Nepal Lipi lessons – Lesson 1-16 now available, please click below to visit the lessons! http://thenewah.wordpress.com



, If you are interested in assisting the activities of Nepal Study Center Japan (NSCJ), please contact us at: [email protected]

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